Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products handed down to mankind by nature. Though usage of honey is traced back to some 8000 years, it’s not until modern times that its curative qualities have been completely understood. Modern research has revealed numerous therapeutic uses of honey for clinical conditions ranging from wound healing to cancer treatment.

Honey is referred to as “Madhu” in Ayurvedic science. It aggravates Vata, crapes Kapha and normalises Pitta, the three fundamental doshas, the equilibrium of which is necessary for optimal health.

Uses of Honey

Honey is used by households for a variety of purposes like in baking, spreading on bread or toast, and as an addition to various beverages such as tea. A little bit of honey when added to a pastry recipe will retard staling (natural preservative), thanks to its hygroscopic (drawing moisture from air) property. Raw honey contains enzymes that help in digestion as well as provision of several vitamins and antioxidants.

Action on body

1)      Honey is good for eyes and improving eyesight

2)      It quenches thirst

3)      Dissolves kapha

4)      It is anti-poisonous

5)      Stops hiccups

6)      Useful in urinary disorders, worm infestations, bronchial asthma, cough, diarrhoea and nausea/vomiting.

7)      Cleanses and heals wounds.

8)      Helps in quick healing of deep wounds and initiates growth of healthy granulation of tissue.

Therapeutic uses of honey

1)      It contains sugars that are quickly absorbed by our digestive system and get converted into energy; this can be used as instant energizer.

2)      It is hygroscopic and speeds up healing of wounds. It removes malodour, aids in growth of healing tissue and dries up injuries.

3)      Honey’s anti-inflammatory activity reduces edema (swelling), minimizes scarring and stimulates growth of granulation and epithelial tissues to speed healing. It not only clears rapidly existing infection but also protects wounds from additional infection.

4)      It acts as a sedative and is very useful in curing bedwetting disorders.

5)      It is a very good antioxidant, plays a major role in prevention of cancer as well as heart disease.

6)      It restores damaged skin and gives a soft and young look. It can be safely applied by those having sensitive skin.

7)      Honey has antibacterial properties due to its acidic nature and enzymatically produced hydrogen peroxide.

8)      Constant use of honey strengthens white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

9)      Honey may be beneficial to athletes as it reduces fatigue. Honey is a good source of glucose and fructose (according to National Honey Institute)

10)  Honey may be useful for sore throat conditions also. It may not heal your sore throat but it will make you feel better. The taste may also take your mind off the pain.

11)  Honey that is local to where one lives can also help with seasonal pollen allergies because it contains the same pollen that is producing the allergy. Consumed in this way it can act as an immune booster.

12)  Honey diluted in water is helpful for curing stomach aches and dehydration.

Precautions to be taken before using honey

1)      Honey should not be heated.

2)      Honey should not be consumed when you are working in a hot environment.

3)      Honey should never be mixed with rain water, hot, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages, ghee and mustard oil. When honey is mixed with these, the poisonous properties get enhanced and cause imbalance of doshas.

Honey Home remedies

1)      Mix 2 teaspoon of honey with carrot juice and consume it regularly. This helps to improve eyesight and is also helpful for those spending long hours before electronic gadgets.

2)      Mix 2 tsp of honey with equal quantity of ginger juice and should be consumed frequently. It is good for those having cold, cough and congested chest.

3)      One glass of lukewarm water taken with two tsp of honey and 1 tsp of lemon juice in the early morning reduces fat and purifies blood.

4)      Consuming one spoon of honey daily helps us to lead a healthy life.

Checking purity of honey

1)      A cotton wick dipped in pure honey when lighted with a matchstick burns. This shows the purity of honey. If adulterated, the presence of water will not allow honey to burn. If it does, it’ll produce a cracking sound.

2)      Pure honey does not dissolve in water quickly but impure honey dissolves quickly when compared to pure honey.

3)      Mix a spoon of honey in a cup of water and find out whether it dissolves to check its purity.

(The author Dr Brindha S is an Ayurvedic physician at the Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam & Research Institute, Coimbatore).